The journal of Monsr. de Saint Amour doctor of Sorbonne,: containing a full account of all the transactions both in France and at Rome, concerning the five famous propositions controverted between the Jansenists and the Molinists, from the beginning of that affair till the Popes decision. / Faithfully rendred out of French. ; A like display of the Romish state, court, interests, policies, &c. and the mighty influences of the Jesuites in that church, and many other Christian states, being not hitherto extant.

CHAP. II.

Of the first Suspitions we had, that our Adversaries endeavoured to ob∣struct what was most essential to the Congregation, viz. an open hearing in the presence of either side. Of the sollicitations we made thereupon the rest of this Month; and our discove∣ring of a design to get Persons wholly suspected by us appointed for this Assembly. A very considerable Let∣ter which I received about this time.

THe jealousies continually given us (for whose entertainment we were but too apt) that M. Hallier and his Collegues imploy'd all their cares and the credit of their Patrons the Jesuites and o∣thers to quash the condition of mutual appearance in the Congregation ordained, oblig'd us to go on Sunday morning (July 21.) to the Pope's Maistre de Chambre, and tell him that we thought fit to defer our thanks to the Pope, because we conceiv'd we should have occasion to addresse to his Holiness within a short time about some businesse, and we were willing to do both together. Wherefore we beseecht him to reserve till that time the courtesie which he had promis'd us in introducing us that day to have audience of his Holiness. Our design in this delay, was, to free our selves from being ob∣lig'd to speak to the Pope about this difficulty and circumstance, and to get it handsomely rectified by the Cardinals without needing to move his Holiness concerning it when we should give him our thanks for the Congregation which he had granted us, that so our acknowledgement might be serene and fair, as the Declaration of it made to us by Cardinal Roma was.

But before I mention our sollicitations about this matter, I cannot forbear to insert a Letter here, which I intreat the Reader to look upon as a thing by it self; and which I transcribe not, although it hath much reference to sundry things before and hereafter related, but because I find it very ele∣gant, and apt in this place about the time in which I receiv'd it at Rome from a Doctor of Sorbon, one of my intimate Friends, who writ the same to me from the place where he then was, June 16. 1652. The Contents follow.

June 16. 1652.

SIR,

I Receiv'd together the two large Letters you writ to me, full of testimonies of the confidence and Friendship wherewith you are pleased to ho∣nour me. If I durst, I should find fault with your going too far therein; for I can make no other construction of your too favourable judge∣ment

of me, than that it proceeds from a singular affection, which gives you an opinion of me far above what I acknowledge in my self. I have alwayes written to you with sincerity, and freely signify'd to you my thoughts and sentiments concerning your journy to Rome about the affairs which you manage there, and concerning the Proposals which you have made to me. And be∣cause I see things not alter'd, or at least vari'd on∣ly in appearance and some circumstances, I can∣not change my judgement or disposition. 'Tis true which you tell me, that the voyage and resi∣dence at Rome is dangerous, and more for re∣gard of the corruption of the mind then of the body; because that of the latter is sensible and vi∣sible, and the other being spiritual is indiscern∣ible, and ofttimes carries its poyson into the bottome of the heart without being taken notice of, insensibly corrupting Faith and Reason it self by humane prudence, and a manner of life and de∣portment altogether Political, which people con∣tract there, unlesse they be prevented by God's special protection and favour. And to tell you true, though I am much averse from that vice which passes for vertue in the world, yet I ac∣count not my self so strong, but that I think fit to avoid even the occasions of it. Nevertheless 'tis not this alone which keeps me from comming to you, and taking upon me that part which you would assign me in the affairs wherein you are en∣gag'd, and labour with the care and zeal which you have ever professed for the Church and the Truth. If I conceiv'd I could be as serviceable therein as you apprehend, and could it reason∣ably be hop'd matters would be so carri'd and have such effects and issues as you aime at, solitude should no longer detain me, nor the danger of the wayes or residence at Rome keep me from of∣fering my self to God, to do him service, and se∣cond you in that which you endeavour to per∣form to him. But I am so strongly perswaded of the contrary both by potent considerations taken from humane prudence, as well as from reasons divine, and founded upon the present posture of things, that all the Remonstrances in your Let∣ters have not mov'd me, although otherwise I may say (I think) without flattery, I am very prone to resign my self and submit to my Friends, and so devoted to satisfie and content them as far as my ability reacheth, that I can scarce deny any thing to them without doing violence to my self, especially in things wherein the service of God and honour of Truth are concern'd, and to persons with whom I have some particular league and engagement of Friendship as I have with you. No, Sir, I cannot believe that ever there will be a regular and free conference about the matters in contest at this day; and should there be one appointed, and persons found capable of deba∣ting the questions on either side, and Judges in∣telligent enough of the truth and sufficiently im∣partial to determine them (which is very difficult, not to say morally impossible) I could not pro∣mise to my self the success which you aim at, and seem to hold for certain. All that could be hop'd, so far as I see, from such a Conference, and most upright Judges, deputed to preside in it, is, that things would remain as they are, and Truth not be more wounded and oppressed than it hath been formerly; should the Arbitrators be dispos'd to do something more, and to pronounce in favour of Truth; they who have been inveig∣led into the contrary part, the Temporal Pow∣ers engag'd with them, and the Spiritual, who at the best that can be hop'd from them (if we may judge by things past) are indifferent as to these matters, would quite stop the passing of such judgement, thereby to avoid offending so many of the world; and under pretence of eschew∣ing Division and maintaining the Church's peace, leave things in the same state in which they are. If you judge my conjectures, and the consequen∣ces I draw from them disagreeing from your own thoughts, yet I am confident you cannot but say that the suppositions which I make and from whence I draw those consequences, are very fa∣vourable, and that I put the case of things as well as you can desire, and in better than there is hopes of seeing them. For leaving you to find Persons capable to propose, manifest and maintain the truth befittingly in a regular Conference, I think you will not be backward to confesse that there is not the least likelyhood of finding Judges suffici∣ently intelligent in these matters, sufficiently well affected to Truth, and sufficiently proof against all sorts of interests, to pronounce in its favour when they have discover'd it: And if they were truly such, undoubtedly one of the Parties would except against them or elude and prevent their Judgement. These matters have been agitated, examin'd, and determin'd too in in abundance of the most important questions and difficulties by the authority and oft time in the presence of two great Popes very learned and of upright intentions. And you know what hath been the issue of those Conferences which lasted many years. You are far from seeing your af∣fairs in so fair a way; and if you promise your self a better issue thereof, I attribute it to your zeal and the affection you have for the cause you ma∣nage, which makes you build too much, and ground the hopes of your justly desired successe upon the good reception that hath been shewn you, and the fair words and promises which are given you. Yov will permit me to mind you that that coyne is very current in the world, and more in the place where you are than in any other; 'tis that wherewith all pay∣ment is ordinarily made; and many times where there is least will and power to give, the promises are largest. VVe have a very fresh example hereof, and in the same affair that you are solli∣citing at present, in M. Sinnic and M. Bourgeois who prosecuted the same before you. All the world knows how they were receiv'd well, heard courteously, how they had sundry audiences of the Pope, who receiv'd their requests and re∣monstrances by word of mouth and by writing, who gave them good words and made them still hope from his Holinesse all that could be hop'd from a common Father of all the Faithfull. M. Sinnic was invited and treated magnificently by Cardinal Barberin, who made him the goodliest promises in the world, at what time in all proba∣bility the design of remanding him home was al∣ready projected, and accordingly was effect∣ed

shortly after. All the Proposals of accommo∣dation made to you touching the B. of Ipre's book, the Doctrine it contains, and the Bull that hath been made to fulminate against it, seem to me as suspitious as the promises that are given you, and are of much more dangerous conse∣quence. You know Sir, by experience, in some general and particular Assemblies of the Faculty in which you were present, how all people easi∣ly hearken to such accommodations, how it is easie to be inveigled to remit something of the interest of truth in such cases, either by sur∣prize, or by weakness cover'd with the pretext of peace; and how such accommodations and modifications are prejudicial to the truth. These are wounds which prove afterwards irremediable; because they are made by those who profess to defend it; and in this they injure it more then they who openly impugne it, and are its greatest Enemies. I confesse to you, I could never read without pity (and I speak it too without any indignation) the Objections and Proposals made to you about the B. of Ipre's book and the Bull; and that which most amazes me is, that they who made those Objections and Proposals, pass for persons very intelligent and well-affected towards the truths of Grace. For to reply that M. d' Ipre intending to justifie some Propositions of S. Augustin's, found among those of Balus, which have been condemned, and desirous to reconcile the Authority of the H. See, and of the Bull which seems to condemn them, saith Haereo; 'tis but to quarrel with that great Lover and Defender of S. Augustin, and Indict him for a word, and for a word very well spoken, and which shews his great moderation amidst his great knowledge, and the incomparable zeal he had for the truth. How frequently doth S. Au∣gustin use the same manner of speech, or like it in his works, when he meets with some difficul∣ty, even against the most important mysteries and certain principles of Faith? How often hath he remain'd in such dubitation, while he enquires the manner and way how original sin is contract∣ed; not to mention abundance of other difficul∣ties, in which he scruples not to declare his per∣plexities? and his modesty goes sometimes so far, as to acknowledge and confess his ignorance in certain cases. If it be demanded, how the Eter∣nal Father begets his Son, how Jesus Christ gives us his Body in the Eucharist, how that Body can be the Life and Food of our Souls: If abundance of other questions be put touching our Mystery, touching the Articles of Faith, touching the dif∣ficult places of Scripture, to reconcile passages together which seem contrary one to another: who is there of the Doctors Antient and Mo∣dern, that continuing firm in what the Faith teacheth us concerning those Questions, not on∣ly saith not as M. d' Ipre, Haereo, but confesseth not that he cannot render a true reason of what he believes, and remains all his life in that igno∣rance? And shall it then be taken ill, that in a very difficult and intricate Question or Fact, in which some unskilful or ill-meaning persons have gone about to set the Authority of the Pope a∣gainst that of S. Augustin, pretending to subject some Propositions of this Doctor of the Church to the censure of the H. See, M. d' Ipre who hath labour'd with as much and more diligence and fidelity then any one whatever upon this point, upholding S. Augustin's Doctrine without injuring the authority and respect which is due to the H. See, should say at the first view of this affair so intricate and so difficult to disintangle, Haereo? They who frame these complaints against that great Prelate, and they who wonder and suffer themselves to be over-aw'd when they hear them, shew they have no great understanding in the Doctrine of the Church, and S. Augustin, nor much stedfastness in what they know thereof. And though they cover their accusations with the Authority of the H. See, yet I can tell you with assurance, that they have not (or at least their proceedings argue not) so much zeal, nor so pure and disinteressed respect for the Head of the Church, or the Church it self, as M. d' Ipre hath had and testifi'd in sundry important occasions, both by his actions, and by his writings. Other particulars wherewith he is charg'd, flow from the same Fountain, and are no less unjust then groundless: If he hath written concerning the matters of Grace, since a prohibition of the H. See, he is not the only man that hath done so, but 'tis he alone that hath written in that manner that he hath done, having only reported the sentiments of S. Augustin, whom the Church owneth, not only as one of its Pillars, but as its Master and Teacher, particularly in the matters of Grace; and he writ his book, being a Prelate and Pastor of the Church; should all those who writ before and after him, have incurr'd the Cen∣sure of the H. See; yet methinks all these peculiar considerations ought to secure him from it. Ne∣vertheless, by a most manifest injustice, endea∣vours are us'd to get his book subjected to Cen∣sure, and to acquit all others: Whereas it is al∣ledg'd, as you tell me, that the other books have not been inform'd against as this hath been, and that had they been complain'd of, and pre∣sented to the Pope, they would likewise have been prohibited: This is to seem blind in these things and deeds either through ignorance, or passion; through ignorance and want of understanding in these matters, if we admit they speak really; through passion and interest, if knowing well how the same have pass'd, and not believing what themselves pretend, they think to make the same credited by others: For all the world knows how many complaints have been made, how ma∣ny Petitions have been presented to the Pope a∣gainst the Jesuites, and the books and writings publisht by them about these matters, which yet they urge, are prohibited to be written of. In one single printed Petition have been noted, I think, twenty Jesuitical Authors, who have set forth books since that Prohibition, which is urg'd to stop that of the Bishop of Ipre. When M. Sinnic pass'd by Paris to go to Rome, he took with him a Copy of the Theses of Lovain, printed at the foot of the Bull, wherein they were expresly prohi∣bited. And for all this, ignorance is pretended, and they say Justice should have been done against those Authors and their writings, had complaint been made thereof to the H. See. I confess Sir, I admire how any dare alledge such excuses in the

place where you are, as they so confidently do; and how they can hold you in hand with, &c. You see Sir, with what liberty I write and expose my thoughts to you in answering to your Letters: 'Tis an evidence of the sincerity of the friendship I bear you, and of the confidence I have in yours. As∣sure your self I do not forget you in my addresses to Almighty God; I represent to him your af∣fairs and necessities as my own, and beseech him to make me as I desire to be always, more and more yours; which I shall look upon as his mercy towards me, & the making me more to be his. And I desire you to beg the same of him in my behalf.

The same day that we desir'd the Pope's Maistre de Chambre to defer the Audience which he was wil∣ling to procure for us, as I related at the beginning of this Chapter, I went in the afternoon to Car∣dinal Ghiggi, partly in reference to M. Hallier and his Collegues, partly to make some Remon∣strances to his Eminence touching the Consultors and M. Albizzi. I told him that I came to speak to his Eminence about some things a little trouble∣some, which concern'd our affair; that I was loth to give him disturbance with them, but we could not represent the same to him, to the end he might take some order therein if he could, un∣less his Eminence were advertis'd thereof, that so if the Pope happened to speak to him about them, he might be prepar'd to tell his Holiness his senti∣ments. I told him, that when we were sent for to Cardinal Roma, to hear the Declaration which he was to make to us from the Pope concerning the erection of the Congregation, M. Albizzi was present at what the Cardinal said to us; that by being so it seem'd to us that M. Albizzi was in∣tended to be Secretary of the said Congregation, and that the same appear'd to us very hard to ad∣mit, considering his great prepossession against us, and the extreme partiality which he profess'd as openly in behalf of our Adversaries. Now to satisfie the Cardinal concerning his partiality, I intended to represent to him, 1. What M. Albiz∣zi had done in the business of the Houres. 2. That he had told me that my opposing the Censure M. Cornet endeavour'd to get pass'd in our Faculty against the Propositions, was a disservice to the H. See. 3. That upon a bare suggestion of F. Mu∣lard, he had obstinately maintain'd that we were not deputed by several Bishops. 4. The manner wherewith, being in his Antichamber, I had heard him speak of me to two Flemish Cordeliers. 5. His insolence at la Minerve upon a very civil visit which we made to him. 6. His opposition, and ri∣gorous, and altogether unjust treatment of us a∣bout the impression of S. Augustin. 7. What he had done on the other side to get publisht F. An∣nat's book, if he could, against the Popes inten∣tion; and how he quarrell'd with the Printer when he saw that Fathers book prohibited by the Pope. 8. The continual correspondence he hath held with M. Hallier and his Collegues, since their arrival, besides that which he hath always held with the Jesuites. 9. VVhat I heard from F. du Plantet, that he had wonderful kindness for them and their affair. 10. I had also purpos'd to speak to him a∣bout the diversity of the Commaes, which he had caus'd to be put into the second impression of the Bull of Ʋrban VIII. purposely to comply with the Jesuites: But I could not particularly acquaint the Cardinal with any thing but the insolence which M. Albizzi had shew'd us at la Minerve, and his dealing with us about our impression of some of S. Austin's works; but I did it with great resent∣ment, terming it barbarous and un procedere di Turco: I added, that it was a shame that he should deport himself thus with the countenance of their Eminences, and oftentimes acting in their names: That I had proofs hereof at hand, but it would require an hours time for his Eminence to see them. The Cardinal seem'd mov'd at my dis∣course, and almost convinc'd of what I said; yet he told me, that we might comfort our selves, for that the Pope and their Eminences would look ex∣actly into the matter, having purposed so to do; that he was sorry for our discontent; but should a Prince have regard to the inclinations and aversi∣ons which one side or other may have against per∣sons, nothing would ever be done: I assented to him, that to do so generally is difficult, yet expe∣rience sometimes shows, that it is necessary (and the late History of Mascambrun sufficiently evi∣dences that I had reason.)

Then I proceeded to speak concerning the choice and alteration made of the Consultors, attri∣buting the same chiefly to the suggestions of M. Al∣bizzi, and adding, that we had cause to fear that he would do his utmost to introduce persons engag'd in the sentiments of the Jesuites, and exclude such as he saw inclin'd to favour S. Augustin's Doctrine.

The Cardinal told me by the way, that S. Augu∣stin's Doctrin, was out of all danger, che non patirebbe niente. He said also, that the choice of the Consultors was order'd by the Pope, who elected one person to day, and another to morrow; that it depended wholly upon his Holiness; nor ought any to ask why he did thus or thus, for he was the Master.

I reply'd, that indeed the Pope was the Master; but M. Albizzi having the advantage to suggest to him this person or that, and to represent rea∣sons to his Holiness for the exclusion of some or others, he might bear a great stroke in the nomi∣nation. That besides, he had so great a sway over the Consultors, that they had not the liberty to speak their suffrages in his presence, when they saw the same were not consentaneous to his sen∣timents and desires, lest having private access to his Holiness every eight days, and a great freedom with their Eminences, he might do them ill offi∣ces. That some of them had told me that they had formerly been spoken to about these matters, but because they had declar'd themselves a little too forwardly in behalf of the cause of Grace, they had heard no further of them since. That my self had experience hereof, upon an occasional meet∣ing with the F. Commissary of the H. Office, when discoursing very gently with him about the first Proposition, and he being satisfi'd with the an∣swers which I made to him, M. Albizzi superven'd, and thereupon the Commissary became as it were Metamorphos'd, and not like the same man, speak∣ing to me with a rude and sharp voice; but when M. Albizzi was gone, the Commissary resum'd his former stile, and told me it was requisite to use such language as he had done only to please him.

The Cardinal answer'd, that the Pope speaking to him about M. Albizzi, said, that indeed he was

a man that sometimes spoke roughly and passion∣ately, but otherwise when any thing was to be done, he consider'd twice upon it.

I told the Cardinal how little vers'd M. Albizzi was in the matters of Grace, and so was an incom∣petent person for the right discharging the office of Secretary in a Congregation, wherein that business was to be thoroughly examined. The Car∣dinal answered, that perhaps he would be the fitter for it, because he was only to write down what should be dictated to him: I reply'd, that to give a true Relation of a Disputation held between D∣vines about this matter, it was requisite for the Relator to understand fully the Opinions both of the one side and the other, that so he might com∣prehend the knot of the difficulty, and faithfully report what should be alledg'd by either party in defence of their Sentiments. That heretofore, in the time of Clement the VIII. and Paul the V. there were two Secretaries; and therefore admitting M. Albizzi for one, it was our request that at least another might be added to him.

I proceeded then to acquaint him with a third thing which troubled us; namely, that after we had Petition'd for a Congregation, in which the Parties might be heard coram openly; that after it had been declared to us, that the Pope had granted the Congregation which we petitioned for; yet it seemed M. Hallier and his Collegues endeavour'd to hinder the execution of the same as it was pro∣mis'd. That we designing to speak nothing but what was true and justifiable, were very desirous to have them present at the Declaration of our Sentiment, to the end they might either assent and acquiesce in them, or be convinc'd thereof in case of denial. On the other side, fearing they might vent many false, fictitious, and frivolous things, we desir'd likewise to be present at their Hearing, that so they might be aw'd by the ap∣prehension of our replying to them; or in case they utter'd any thing of that strain, the same might be forthwith excepted against by us, and re∣futed. That the communication alone of Papers was not sufficient for this purpose, because possi∣bly they might declare themselves more amply in speaking, as to some things, which in their Papers they would but slightly touch upon; yet this slight touching might be enough to mind those Persons whom they have tamper'd with, of all that they have before-hand privately suggested, which how∣ever extremely false, must needs pass for true, unless it be refuted, which is not to be done, un∣less they be heard; because the transient intima∣tions in their writings, will scarce be taken notice of, or make impression; That therefore it was absolutely necessary, not only that there be an re∣ciprocal communication of the Papers of one side to the other; but also that we be heard viva voce, and that in the presence of both Parties.

Cardinal Ghiggi ask'd me whether we had ac∣quainted Cardinal Roma with these things. I told him, That we had, but receiv'd no plain answer from him about them. That I hoped his Eminence would be favourable to our Desires, because be∣sides the justness and advantageousness of them, they were also congruous to the practice both of the Church and of the H. See. The Cardinal then reply'd, that those Practices were understood well at Rome.

I added that we had express order to be impor∣tunate upon this point, and no power to act o∣therwise; and therefore we beseecht his Eminence to bring it about that we might suffer no difficulty therein.

The Cardinal began to be something mov'd at this, and told me; It seems then you intended to give law to the Pope, but the Pope would receive none from any. I answer'd that we intended no such thing; but all our businesse was to desire in the name of some Bishops who sent us, a thing which they conceiv'd the Pope's justice, wisedome and prudence would easily condescend to their re∣quest. He reply'd, But, questa parola, Vogliamo, That word, we will. I answered that it was often used innocently to expresse that which is desir'd, without pretending to give law to any person; but for my part I had not us'd it. He acknowledg'd I had not; but added that this other, Non Possiamo, We cannot, had the same meaning. I answered that it was requisite that we, who acted not in our own names, should expresse by some some word our obligation to keep within the limits the Pow∣er hath given us; that it behoved us to follow our orders, and that if we went beyond them, we should be subject to be disavow'd. He excepted, But can those Bishops themselves impose Law upon us? I answered that to desire of the Pope urgently, but yet with all possible respect a thing so very just, was not to impose Law; and that I should not have spoken to his Eminence so much as I had done, but only to avoid the necessity of speaking the same elsewhere more publickly; and to the end that he knowing our orders, might by his pru∣dence and goodnesse assist us to execute them with∣out further publishing thereof.

Touching the choyce of the Consultors, I pro∣ceeded to tell him that if it were thought fit, I as∣sent that all the Consultors and Qualificators of the H. Office were indifferently taken, that so the businesse might clearly appear to be done without any partiality. And should it be conceiv'd that I made this Proposal, because there were many Do∣minicans of it, I was willing that they should be ex∣cluded as well as the Jesuites. The Cardinal ex∣cepted, VVhy so? VVhy not a Dominican and a Jesuite? I answered, that as for the Jesuites, it could not seem reasonable to admit them for Judges in a cause wherein they were Parties; that we had declar'd them such at first; that 'twas they who had excited all this contest, by their intrigues in our Faculty, to get S. Austin's doctrin condemn'd, and that by the most strange and unequal proceedings imaginable. That when the same should come to be laid open in the Congregation, it would scarce seem credible how such projects could enter into the minds of men who ought to have some Piety and Learning. The Cardinal reply'd, that others might say as much of us, but that the truth of all would be seen in the sequel. At the end of this Conference he reommended two things to me; First to endeavour as much as we could to make our writings short and intelligible; and secondly, to do all things with patience and moderation. I answer'd that I conceiv'd we had hitherto acted according to that temper, and in case it hapned we fell into any other, it would be an obligation to cause us to be advertis'd thereof, to the end we might take a bet∣ter course.

The next day in the afternoon I went to wait up∣on Cardinal Roma. I told him that my Collegues remain'd at our Lodging to prepare our Papers against the Congregation, and that in the mean time I was come to acquaint him with some things which troubled us as to that particular. I repeated to him almost the same which I have newly set down. He made not so large answers thereto as formerly; yet he satisfied my scruples as courte∣ously as he could; and as for the point of being heard in the presence of both parties, he readily ac∣knowledg'd the benefit of it, and the necessity there would be for it sooner or later. However he advis'd me to repair to the other Cardinals, to tell them as much as I had said to himself in reference to this Article.

The same Evening about ten a clock I receiv'd a visit from an Archbishop, who chose that hour purposely to come and see me incognito, and could not longer defer telling me some news which he conceiv'd would be very acceptable to me. He told me that he had confer'd with the Pope that morn∣ing about our affairs. That his Holinesse himself gave occasion to the Discourse, and told him that he still remembred the time when the Congregati∣ons de Auxiliis were held under Clement VIII. and Paul V. that he knew all the world was then for the Dominicans against the Jesuites; that for a long while together the publication of the Bull whereby the Jesuites were condemned, was daily expected; that neverthelesse it was not publisht, though they well deser'vd it; But it was conceiv'd that the H. See acted prudently (Fìc stimato allora grand prudenza, said the Pope) in not publishing their condemnation; because though the said De∣finition would have appear'd with the general sa∣tisfaction of all intelligent Persons, yet those mat∣ters surpass'd the reach of the unlearned, and the generality of the Faithfull. That moreover the Pope said that he knew the Jesuits Sentiments were not good; and that if he condemn'd them, there were no Persons of Learning & Ability throughout Eu∣rope but would be satisfied and well pleas'd there∣with: But that these Truths were so far above the ordinary capacity of Man, and the weak being much more numerous than the strong, more would be scandaliz'd than edifi'd with such condemnation. Whence this Archbishop concluded that if in the process of time I obtain'd not my design'd condem∣nation of the pernicious opinions of Molina and his Brethren, yet I was sure the Pope would never pronounce any thing in favour of them; and con∣sequently those whom I defended were no wise in danger of being condemn'd. He told me also that hereupon he had made a motion to his Holiness, that considering the Jesuites were so violent in their ex∣orbitances against S. Austin's doctrine, he would please to make a Decree, by which all the Faith∣full might be injoyn'd in general to follow that great Light of the Church and embrace his Senti∣ments. That his Holiness paus'd upon this Over∣ture, and as he believ'd, would take it into consi∣deration.

I had told Cardinal Ghiggi something of what I heard from Cardinal Roma about the changing of the Consultors, June 17. which he did not so ex∣presly confirm to me in my visit of the 22d. Wherefore I thought fit to advertise Cardinal Ghig∣gi of what I had understood from him in both con∣ferences. For which purpose I went to him on the 23d. and passing from one Discourse to ano∣ther, he held me about an hour in speaking some∣times about our affairs and sometimes about other indifferent matters. Amongst other he told me, That we and our Adversaries endeavoured to ingra∣tiate with those who sent us by making a great stirre, and giving them a punctual account of all our Dili∣gences. Whereunto I answered, That as for M. Hallier, he had profess'd to us, that those by whom he was sent to Rome, were so little anxious about any thing that was done there, that he offer'd me to for∣bear writing any thing touching our affairs into France, if we would forbear too. But we could not accept the Offer, because the Bishops in whose name we were there, were concern'd for the least circumstances of what pass'd either well or ill in our negotiations, so great interest did they take in the affair wherewith they had encharged us, and ac∣counted the same of such high importance. I had received by Letters of June 28. a new Order pre∣cisely to proceed in this manner; and therefore told the Cardinal that we could not disobey in this point, but we should certainly satisfie this Duty every eight dayes. Yet I added, that by writing nothing but the Truth we did our utmost to eschew the exaspe∣ration of things, and rather to qualifie and sweeten whatever passages we had reason to be scandaliz'd and discontented with. That moreover we sought not to make a stirre without necessity, because we could scarce be sufficient for such things as were indispen∣sible, and therefore had intreated my LL. the Pre∣lates to send two or three Persons more to assist us, that so we might better acquit our selves of what was to be transacted both by Speech and Writing in the Con∣gregation.

Going the next day to speak with sundry persons whom I conceived were then to be met with at la Minerve, I hapned to light upon a Dominican of great age, yet of a vigorous health and mind, who I afterwards understood was call'd F. Galassini; he advis'd me to take care to the nomination that was to be made of the Consultors for our Congregation, and told me he had learnt from a good hand, that before they were pitched upon, some Persons did their utmost to oblige them to declare them∣selves for Molinisme.

The other considerations upon which, as I related above, the Cure of S. Savior had counselled us to re∣tain an excellent Advocate well vers'd in the Court of Rome, least we might do any thing contrary to form, joyn'd to those first difficulties about hear∣ing us in presence of either side, and those petty reproaches of intending to impose Law while we desir'd to be heard, the Parties present, oblig'd us at length to retain one, who, when occasion requir'd, might plead the justness of our Demands with more earnestness than we durst our selves, and press his Holiness and their Eminences with more liberty than we might take, being accustom'd, as they are, to repair to them about affairs, which they lay forth to them at large; and lastly, who might sometimes draw some secrets and intimations from them, which their shyness kept from us. For these reasons we went on Wednesday July 24. in the afternoon to Signor Eugenio of Perugia, a man of great parts and of a very solid and free spi∣rit.

I went next to give half a dozen of our books to the General of the Augustines, who told me that himself was appointed for the examination of the Propositions, but with injunction of secresie. I heard also at the same time, that Cardinal Roma was the cause that this General was put into the number of the Consultors.

We went on Monday, Aug. 5. to la Minerve, M. Valeroissant and I, to give some to the General of the Dominicans; but not finding him, we left them for him, and gave some to divers of his Or∣der.

In the afternoon I went to carry a couple to M. Albizzi, who receiv'd the same with civility enough, and said, there could be nothing but good, being S. Austin's; and that he would shortly per∣use them. I told him, we design'd nothing else in procuring this Impression, but the clearing of things; that when he understood us, perhaps we should be more in his favour then we were; but the calumnies of all sorts spread against us were so numerous, that I wonder'd we were not less: He answer'd me, that credit was not given to all reports; that he had lately been told of things al∣ledg'd against him by us to deprive him of the Se∣cretaryship; that he did not value the suggestion; that neither money, nor preferment, nor any other interest, could engage him to procure the condem∣nation of the Propositions. I reply'd, that neither had we any other interest but the service of Truth, and that of the H. See; that I hop'd he should find it so; but indeed, I had said upon some occasions, that hitherto we had been much in disfavour with him, and that I wonder'd we were not more, con∣sidering the ill impressions suggested to him of us. In fine, that both he and I were to give account to God of the things which we should do in this world; that the time would speedily come, and that it behov'd us to endeavour to do nothing whereof we might be asham'd before the Tribunal of his Divine Justice. I offer'd him as many of our books as he pleas'd, and left him with fifteen or twenty Letters newly brought him, which put an end to my visit.

The same day I made another particular visit, wherein I learn'd that the custome of the Rota al∣low'd us to print our writings in as great number as was needful to deliver to the Judges; and that M. Hallier, and his Collegues, were taken in many places of Rome for people that attempted the ruine of S. Austin's Doctrine.

On Tuesday, Aug. 6. I went to present our book to Cardinal Pamphilio, and withall to give him thanks, as the Popes Nephew, for the esta∣blishment of our Congregation. He receiv'd all with satisfaction and civility. Thence I went to pre∣sent one to Cardinal Cechini, and though he was weary with a Congregation that had been held at his house all the morning; yet I forbore not to tell him, that the book presented to him, contained all the Fundamentals requisite to be known for the clear comprehending of the present Controversies in the Church, and in what manner it was fitting to determine them.

Cardinal Ginetti, to whom I deliver'd one in the afternoon, put me in mind to present a couple to each of the Cardinals of our Congregation; one bound in red Spanish Leather, with their Arms stamp'd in gold upon the Cover, and the other in Parchment, both of the best binding that could be had in Rome. For having receiv'd these two, he told me, that one of them was to give to Mon∣signor Ginetti his Brother. I signifi'd to his Emi∣nence, that I had another for him; but that second was for their Divine, or such other person as they pleas'd to favour with it, and whose assistance their Eminences perhaps might be willing to use in the Study whereunto they would be oblig'd for the discussion and decision of the Propositions. He askt whether this was all the informations that we purpos'd to deliver to them? I answer'd him, No; but that this book was the main foundation of them. Accordingly I went to present one to Monsignor Ginetti, who told me he had already read some of our Adversaries Papers, and should be very willing to read this work also.

Thence I went for the same purpose to Cardinal Barberin's Palace; but not finding him there, I carried one to M. Holstenio, who testified very great satisfaction therewith. He much commend∣ed our design, and told me that after our example he would get printed some little Treatises of S. Cyprian and S. Augustin De Unitate Ecclesiae, & De U••ilitate credendi, &c.

On Wednesday Aug. 7. I went to la Minerve to give some Books to such persons there as had not yet receiv'd any, and to whom we were ob∣lig'd to do it. I gave two more to the General of the Dominicans, who told me that M. Hallier said in a visit to him, That he did not intend against S. Austin, nor against S. Thomas, nor against Ef∣fectual Grace; That he would not meddle with the matters that had been handled in the Congregations De Auxiliis; in a word, that he aimed onely against Calvin.

When I gave one on Thursday Aug. 18. to the Procurator General of the Capucines, he told me he had been very glad to see the Latine explication of the Propositions, which was made shortly after M. Cornets enterprise, and begins In Nomine Do∣mini, &c. and that he was well edified therewith. He received it from the F. Capucine Assistant of France nam'd F. Brisse, to whom I had sent it, ha∣ving fallen into his acquaintance by going together once or twice to his General. When I gave one the same day to the Procurator General of S. Marcel, he told me that M. Hallier had made a second visit to him, in which he talkt after a quite other manner than he had done in the first. The F. Abbot de la Paix at his receiving one from me, told me that Cardinal Lugo had counsell'd him to take heed of us, for we went about to defend Jan∣senius under pretext of defending S. Austin. When I deliver'd some to Cardinal S. Clement, I presented some also to his Nephews, whose parts, studious∣ness, modesty and civility were in particular vene∣ration with me.

At my delivering some to M. Eugenio our Ad∣vocate, I fell into the knowledge of a young Flo∣rentine Gentleman nam'd Signor Cosimo Brunetti at his House, in whom at that first converse I found a very great vivacity and solidity of Spirit, with a free and ingenuous integrity, much fine Learn∣ing, a very prompt, open and obliging nature. He sojourned at our Advocates House for his im∣provement in the study and practice of the laws,

and to observe the way and genius of the Roman Court. I offer'd him a Copy, which he accepted with great professions of acknowledge∣ment for the civility which I shew'd him.